Malbork (Marienburg): The Castle of the Teutonic KnightsWritten and researched by Margaret Odrowaz-Sypniewska

Malbork Castle was located on the River Nogat in Marienburg and building began in the 1270s. Since deposits of clay were in the region, bricks could be built in the immediate vicinity. Forests were cleared and limestone quarries were excavated. Malbork was thought to have been built by master-builders from Silesia, and the labor was provided by Prussian workers. The Castle was finished around 1280. The Teutonic convent from Zantra then moved to the new castle.

Other castles, of the Vistula basin, were located in Brandenburg (Pokarmin), Lochstedt, and Gniew.

Urban, William. The Teutonic Knights: A Military History. PA.: Stackpole Books, 2003.

From 1456-1772 Malbork castle came under Polish rule. King Kazimierz Jagiellonczyk issued an act in March 1454 incorporating all Prussian lands into the Kingdom of Poland. This event caused the Thirteen Year War between Poland and the Teutonic Order, which led to the recapture of Poland of Gdansk Pomerania and Chelno County, as well as the occupation of the Zulawy region, together with parts of Warmia and Pomezania. These lands became known as Royal Prussia.

Malbork was then sold for 190 thousand florins as mercenaries turned to Kazimierz Jagiellonczyk on June 8, 1457, after the castle was abandoned the previous day by Grand Master Ludwig von Erlichshausen (1450-1467).

Malbork changed from Teutonic Knight hands and became a seat of Polish administrators: the starost (district elder), the treasurer of Prussian lands, and the viovode. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary retained its spiritual role, but served only as a branch of the town's parish church.

In 1476 a royal residence was prepared at Malbork for Polish monarchy. During the reign of King Zygmunt III Waza, part of the castle was made into a mint. In 1626 the Swedish king, Gustavua Adolphus took the castle in the month of July.

In 1635, the Truce of Sztumska Wies returned Malbork to Poland. The battle between the Swedes and Poles caused damage to part of the castle.

In 1644, a fire destroyed most of the castle's roofs. Gerard Denhoo (from 1640-1648) was viovode of Pomerania, Treasurer of Royal Prussia, Starost, and Steward of Malbork. He began restoration of the Teutonic fortress. The roofs were repaired, but the rafters were much lower than in the original structure. The Chapel of St. Bartholomew became the Chapel of St. Wojciech (Adalbert). The old armory was turned into a brewery.

In 1649, after Denhoff's death, King Jan Kazimierz appointed Tomaz Hertmanski as permanent master builder of Malbork Castle. From this time until the second Swedish invasion was the best time for the castle, under Polish rule. The Deluge again devastated the structure of the castle. In the 18th century, the Jesuits erected a college between the church and Middle Castle. This was demolished at the end of the 19th century as Gothic restorations were made to Malbork.

From 1772-1804 the armies of Frederick II resulted in the First Partition of Poland in 1772. From 1773-1774, the castle was barracks and much of the roof collapsed and the Infirmary demolished. It was used by cotton weavers. The castle generally fell into disrepair. The Prussians even planned to demolish the castle. By the end of the 18th century, the destruction of old buildings was frowned upon. In 1799, a album of Malbork was published with illustrations of the castle. Public opinion saved the castle. In 1817 Malbork was reconstructed with Theodor von Schon, President of Prussia as the castle's patron. Two World wars in the twentieth century made Malbork in ruins again, until the Polish people rebuilt it and many of their cities to their original plans. Today the castle is fully restored, hopefully forever(Mierzwinski). The castle stands as a symbol of Poland's past.